Murcia among world's top 20 places for digital nomads

Spain has seven cities in the ranking, making it one of the best countries to work remotely

An aerial view of Murcia city

More and more people in Spain are becoming digital nomads and no longer need to go into the office five days a week.

Remote working has completely transformed the world of work, which means there is no longer any need to have a fixed residence where an employer’s headquarters are located. As a result, many people now settle in a different city or move from one place to another.

Global business media company Forbes has published a study, carried out by business payments platform Dojo, which analysed numerous cities across Europe (and the world) to determine the best cities on the continent for remote working.

Several Spanish cities appear in the top 20, including Murcia, and although none managed to claim the top spot, the report clearly shows that Spain has ideal places for those who work remotely.

Moreover, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU remote workers to live and work legally in the country.

From Valencia to Murcia: Spain’s Remote Work Paradises

Valencia is the best city in Spain for digital nomads, having secured third place in the overall ranking. This Mediterranean city is ideal for those looking to combine a strong business environment with both architectural and natural wonders, which earned it such a high position in the study.

The second Spanish city to make the list is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which comes in at number eight. This coastal city in the Canary Islands attracts thousands of digital nomads thanks to its spectacular year-round climate. Its charming streets and Atlantic Ocean setting make it a true haven for remote workers.

The third Spanish city to break into the Top 10 is Sevilla (10th), one of the most magnificent places in all of Europe and one of the jewels of the country.

Also included in the ranking are Zaragoza (13th), Madrid (14th), Bilbao (15th), and Murcia (18th), positioning Spain as one of the best places in the world for remote working, alongside Italy and Canada.

What makes Murcia so well suited for digital nomads?

Murcia may not have the international fame of Valencia or Sevilla, but it is far from the outdated stereotypes that some Spaniards still make fun of.

Indeed, its modest reputation is actually one of its strengths, since the cost of living is considerably more affordable than many other Spanish cities. Rent, groceries, restaurants and co-working spaces are significantly cheaper.

And many areas, even smaller towns, are connected to fibre-optic internet, with speeds of 300 Mbps or more. There are a growing number of co-working spaces and cafés with good Wi-Fi, especially in Murcia city and Cartagena.

Although the climate may get hot in the summer, there is no shortage of air conditioned spaces to work from, and the region’s beautiful coastline and mountains offer an escape from the worst of the heat. Outdoor types can find a wealth of scenery and activities to enjoy.

It is well connected by train, motorway and an international airport (Corvera), but less touristy than most well-known coastal regions, offering a more authentic Spanish experience. As such the pace of life is slower so you can savour the culture, history, outstanding gastronomy and welcoming people.

The Best Cities in the World for Remote Work

According to the study, the best city in the world for remote working is Genoa, in Italy, followed by another Italian city, Bari, in second place. Catania (5th), Florence (6th), Palermo (7th), Rome (9th), Turin (11th), and Bologna (17th) also feature on the list, which is rounded out by several Canadian cities: Quebec (4th), Ottawa (12th), Montreal (16th), Oshawa (19th), and Hamilton (20th).

Images: Archive